Food security is a world-wide concern, but for Small Island Nations the issue is particularly concerning. On the heels of the Covid pandemic, Hawaiians are beginning to take this issue very seriously, knowing that most of their food is imported and long supply chains can be disrupted
under a variety of stresses.
In Hawaii, considerable discourse is emerging around this issue. The Hawaiʻi Institute for Sustainable Community Food Systems at University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu for instance, is sponsoring an ongoing lecture series meant to generate key opportunities for community dialogue among a diverse audience, aiming to achieve a healthy, equitable, resilient and sustainable food system for Hawaiʻi. At the grassroots level, groups like Sust’āinable Molokai are supporting local farmers to increase production to increase local food security.
The Baha’i International Community is actively engaged in discourse around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. Earlier this year, the Baha’i community held an official side-event during the 7th UN Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development goals (SDGs), bringing together representatives from the government sector, the UN and the private sector. The panel, titled Progress through Partnerships: How can private sector partnerships assist in achieving SDG 2?, explored how the concept of collaboration between government institutions, individuals, communities and the private sector is a key to addressing food security issues and other SDGs.
Efforts to build wide-ranging partnerships may be helpful in Hawai’i’s efforts to increase food security.
The Baha’i International Community plans to build on conversations about collaboration between institutions, communities, individuals and the private sector and their role in achieving the SDGs.
Bringing together different protagonists in this process can reveal further insights into collaboration and partnership as it relates to food security and Agenda 2030. For more on this event visit www.bic.org/news/bic-event-explores-role-partnerships-addressing-food-security.
